Bolt size: Allen head vs. 12 pt.

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Jul 31, 2005 | 01:06 AM

SkunkApe

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From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER

Bolt size: Allen head vs. 12 pt.

Can anyone tell me if a 12pt. bolt has a smaller head than a comparable-size (3/8") allen head bolt? I've got a situation where the allen head will not fit in the space where needed.

Thanks.

Jul 31, 2005 | 07:45 AM

Techno

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From: 68 427 4.11s Roadster

Won't the socket be a problem?

Jul 31, 2005 | 08:34 AM

Sharky Guam

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From: Guam

It depends of the type of allen head bolt. But the standard allen head 3/8 bolt has a smaller head. Besides getting it in a space where the socket walls interfere won't be a problem with the allen head. When you say 3/8, I am assuming that you are talking about bolt size and not wrench size.

Jul 31, 2005 | 10:42 AM

SkunkApe

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From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharky Guam

Yes, bolt-size is 3/8". A thinwall socket will fit. Is there any other type of bolt that has a reduced size head?

Jul 31, 2005 | 05:38 PM

Sharky Guam

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From: Guam

yes, they make inverted torx head bolts. You can check with ARP or some of the bolt manufacturers to get info on the different sizes and types available.

I am not sure what you are going to be using the bolt for. But ARP makes a stud and nut combo for tight clearance areas.

Last edited by Sharky Guam; Jul 31, 2005 at 05:40 PM.

Jul 31, 2005 | 07:03 PM

SkunkApe

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From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharky Guam

I am not sure what you are going to be using the bolt for. But ARP makes a stud and nut combo for tight clearance areas.

I installed a cast-aluminum pan (stock depth, TH-400). The bracket that holds the forward cable (steering wheel interlock?) in place utilizes two 3/8" bolts. The rest of the bolts for the pan are 1/4". B & M supplied the 1/4" allen-head bolts, but not the 3/8" bolts. I tried a standard 3/8" allen-head, but due to the additional thickness of this type pan, the bolt head hits the pan, canting it and preventing it from being started. So...I need something that is 3/8" coarse (16 tpi) that has a small enough head to go in straight.

Jul 31, 2005 | 07:05 PM

norvalwilhelm

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From: Waterloo ontario Canada

It is a simple matter to cut a cap screw head down on a lathe. Any shop or friend with a lathe can reduce the size of the cap screw. I have done it many times.

Jul 31, 2005 | 07:22 PM

SkunkApe

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From: I KNOW JESUS... HE'S MY GARDENER

Quote:

Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm

It is a simple matter to cut a cap screw head down on a lathe. Any shop or friend with a lathe can reduce the size of the cap screw. I have done it many times.

Cap screw? I've heard the term before, but can't picture what it looks like...

I was thinking about grinding down the circumference of the allen-head.